Identification of an m6A Natural Inhibitor, Lobeline, That Reverses Lenvatinib Resistance in Hepatocellular Tumors

J Nat Prod. 2024 Aug 23;87(8):1983-1993. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00406. Epub 2024 Aug 13.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive cancer that has an effect on human health. As a first-line drug for HCC, despite its excellent efficacy, lenvatinib (Len) is prone to developing drug resistance in HCC patients. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is not only related to the development of HCC but also shows great potential in overcoming HCC resistance. Using Dot Blot, our group first screened a small molecule m6A regulator, lobeline (Lob), from a library of 390 compounds (mostly natural products). In vitro experiments demonstrated that Lob could significantly enhance the sensitivity to Len of Len-resistant HCC (HCC/Len) and inhibit migration of resistant cells. In Len-resistant cell-derived and patient-derived xenograft models, Lob could reverse the resistant phenotype, with reductions in tumor volume of 68% and 60%, respectively. Furthermore, MeRIP-m6A sequencing results indicated that the underlying molecular mechanism of Lob reversal of HCC drug resistance was related to UBE3B. Taken together, this study highlighted that Lob, a plant derived natural product, could reverse the resistance of HCC to Len by regulating the m6A levels. It is hoped that this will provide a pharmacological research basis for the clinical treatment of HCC patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / analogs & derivatives
  • Adenosine / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Biological Products / chemistry
  • Biological Products / pharmacology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / drug therapy
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Lobeline
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Phenylurea Compounds* / pharmacology
  • Quinolines* / chemistry
  • Quinolines* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Adenosine
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biological Products
  • lenvatinib
  • N-methyladenosine
  • Phenylurea Compounds
  • Quinolines
  • Lobeline